SpeakStrong, Inc and Meryl Runion, A PowerPhrase a Week Newsletter Archive page two

Page 2

December 21, 2006 - Issue 250

Speak as if every word matters. It does.
This Week in the World: A Heartwarming Email
Power Phrase of the Week: Ask Her to Call Me Directly
Poison Phrase of the Week: You Need to Go to the Meeting
Ask Meryl: Violating Attendance Policy
Success Story: No story this week

December 14, 2006 - Issue 249
This Week in the World: Communication Subtext
Power Phrase of the Week: The Offer Is Open. I Won't Argue If You Choose Not to Accept
Poison Phrase of the Week: Anything to Make Your Job Easier
Ask Meryl: Do Administrative Assistants Have Rights?
Success Story: Christmas Gift Exchange

Devember 7, 2006 - Issue 248
This Week in the World: Staying Open When You Want to Shut Down
Power Phrase of the Week: Thanks for Bringing That Up
Poison Phrase of the Week: Relax
Ask Meryl: Bah. Humbug.
Success Story: A New Life

November 30, 2006 - Issue 247

How to Say It: Performance Reviews will be in bookstores later this week
Power Phrase of the Week: Let's Solve the Problem Now. How This Happened Is a Conversation for Later.
Poison Phrase of the Week: If You Can Manage to Get There on Time for a Change
Ask Meryl: Impatient Clarification
Success Story: No story this week

This Week in the World: A PowerPhrase Is as Strong as it Needs to Be and No Stronger

November 22, 2006 - Issue 246

Performance Review Phrase Book is Still Available
This Week in the World: Holiday Goals

November 16, 2006 - Issue 245

Dixie Chicks Firestorm Update
This Week in the World: HOORAY - 3 New Resources Are Available 2 DVDs and a Performance Review Phrase Book
Power Phrase of the Week: Am I Still On Your Radar?
Poison Phrase of the Week: Are You Insane?
Ask Meryl: Requesting Perks
Success Story:Insulting Emails

November 9, 2006 - Issue 244

My next SpeakStrong retreat
This Week in the World: Militant Patriotism
Power Phrase of the Week: If...Then
Poison Phrase of the Week: If It Bothers You, Move
Ask Meryl: Sarcasm / I LIke Bush
Success Story:Follow Up With a Bully Boss

November 2, 2006 - Issue 243

My next SpeakStrong retreat
This Week in the World: Shut Up and Sing
Power Phrase of the Week: Reacting Personally to These Attacks is Pointless
Poison Phrase of the Week: Making Some Changes
Ask Meryl: Laid Off for Speaking Up / My Boss Doesn't Like Me
Success Story: Unacceptable Behavior for a Three-Year-Old

October 26, 2006 - Issue 242
This Week in the World: When You Don't Want to Speak, You Probably Need To
Power Phrase of the Week: I Don't Know, and I'd Rather Not Speculate.
Poison Phrase of the Week: You People (Reader Contribution)
Ask Meryl: Favoritism

October 18, 2006 - Issue 241

Results from Last Week's Survey
This Week in the World: An Ask Meryl-a-Thon

October 11, 2006 - Issue 240

What Would You Do?
This Week in the World: Doubt - A Great Excuse for Inaction
Power Phrase of the Week: What Do I Say Or Do That Leads You to Believe...
Poison Phrase of the Week: You Ruined My Sheets
Ask Meryl: Credit Denied
Success Story: Take Yourself Out of Your Shoes and See How It Felt in Mine

October 4, 2006 - Issue 239

Next SpeakStrong Retreat
This Week in the World: Bizarre News in a Stunning News Week
Power Phrase of the Week: Is There Anything You Want to Complain About?
Poison Phrase of the Week: Failure to Tell the Truth
Ask Meryl: How Do You Turn Down a Meeting Request?
Success Story: False Accusations Follow-up

September 27, 2006 - Issue 238

Next SpeakStrong Retreat
This Week in the World: Speaking Strong as a Houseguest
Power Phrase of the Week: We See This Project Differently, and That's Why I Believe We Can Learn From Each Other
Poison Phrase of the Week: Wannabees
Ask Meryl: How Do You Turn Down a Date?
Success Story: Money Talk: A Couple Looks at Their Financial Future From the Same Place

September 21, 2006 - Issue 237

Speak Your Simple Truth
This Week in the World: That's My Story and I'm Sticking to It
Power Phrase of the Week: Is There Something You Want to Say to Me?
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Have a Dentist Appointment at 3:00 and...
Ask Meryl: My Boss is a Bully
Success Story: Overcoming a Reflex Objection

September 14, 2006 - Issue 236

Top Ten Poison Phrases
This Week in the World: Taking the Mask Off
Power Phrase of the Week: If I Hired You
Poison Phrase of the Week: You Can Do My Filing If You Want To
Ask Meryl: False Accusations

September 6, 2006 - Issue 235

Vote Now for the Most Disagreeable Poison Phrases
This Week in the World: The Poison Phrase Police
Power Phrase of the Week: The Issue Is with the Policy, Not the Representative
Poison Phrase of the Week: Too Sensitive
Ask Meryl: How to Handle My Mentor?
Success Story: Continuing to Earn Pippi

August 30, 2006 - Issue 234

What Are Your Poison Phrase Pet Peeves?
This Week in the World: If at First You Don't Succeed, Post on YouTube
Power Phrase of the Week: We Are Misreading Each Other
Poison Phrase of the Week: You Said That Already
Ask Meryl: An Overloaded Attorney
Success Story: Speaking Strong With Grandpa

August 23, 2006 - Issue 233

You Named Your Risky Conversations
This Week in the World: And You Think It's Risky for You to Speak Out
Power Phrase of the Week: I Understand You Don't Agree With My Objections
Poison Phrase of the Week: Bad Luck
Ask Meryl: An Unhelpful Coworker
Success Story: Supervisor Slacking

August 16, 2006 - Issue 232

Name Your Risky Conversations
This Week in the World: A Risky Conversation Assessment Form
Power Phrase of the Week: I'd Be Happy to Share My System
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Have No Clue What You're Talking About
Ask Meryl: Freeze Up
Success Story: "I'm So Glad You Spoke Up" about Hugs

August 9, 2006 - Issue 231

Complicit or Courageous Survey
This Week in the World: A Funny Way of Mending Fences
Power Phrase of the Week: The Fact that I Love You is No Concern of Yours
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Had No Choice
Ask Meryl: Coffee, Tea, but Not Me
Success Story: Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say

August 2, 2006 - Issue 230

Complicit or Courageous Survey
This Week in the World: Who Goes First? Courage in the Face of Complicity
Power Phrase of the Week: Do You Really Want Input?
Poison Phrase of the Week: Sure
Ask Meryl: Hold the Hugs
Success Story: Are You Yelling at Me?

July 26, 2006 - Issue 229

Say It Strong Retreat scheduled December 1st-3rd
This Week in the World: Show Up in Your Life and Your Conversations
Power Phrase of the Week: This Isn't Y2K
Poison Phrase of the Week: I'm Torn
Ask Meryl: Recipe for Disaster: Take One Cell Plan, Add One Teen and...
Success Story: Things Are Like This Now...Because...

July 20, 2006 - Issue 228

Say It Strong Retreat scheduled December 1st-3rd
This Week in the World: Counterfeit Communication
Power Phrase of the Week: I'd
Poison Phrase of the Week: My Teenager and I Read Parts Out Loud for Laughs
Ask Meryl: Is Pippi Real?
Success Story: Get Over It

July 13, 2006 - Issue 227

Pippi's Name
This Week in the World: The Falsehoods You Allow
Power Phrase of the Week:Mistaking Activity for Progress
Poison Phrase of the Week: Get Your Butt Over Here
Ask Meryl: So Sorry for Your Loss...or...
Success Story: No Longer Barred

June 26, 2006 - Issue 226

12 Secrets to High Self Esteem Cassette Sale
This Week in the World: Confiding Is Good For The Soul
Power Phrase of the Week: This Isn't Some Of Your Work That Resonates With Me The Most
Poison Phrase of the Week: That's Just The Way I Am
Ask Meryl: Barred From The Board
Success Story: A Friendship Preserved

June 26, 2006 - Issue 225

June 20, 2006 - Issue 224

Pippi's Proposed Name Change Update
This Week in the World: $50,000 She Could Not Afford to Keep
Power Phrase of the Week: I Didn't Ask What You Know, I Asked What You Think
Poison Phrase of the Week: We'll Fix it Because Others Have Problems Too
Ask Meryl: Commanding Respect
Success Story: Focusing the Boss

June 14, 2006 - Issue 223

Weigh in on Pippi's Proposed Name Change
This Week in the World: From Complaint to Action
Power Phrase of the Week: I'd Love to Hike Together If You're Okay With Focusing on What I Want to Talk About Today
Poison Phrase of the Week: The Courage to Speak
Ask Meryl: Rehashing the Past
Success Story: Moving Forward in a New Direction

June 8, 2006 - Issue 222

Should Pippi Get A Name Change?
This Week in the World: Willingness to Let Things Fall Apart For a While
Power Phrase of the Week: Either Stop Complaining or Do Something About It
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Can't Help It, I Was Raised This Way
Ask Meryl: A Disapproving Grandma-in-law
Success Story: Shame-free Clarification

May 30, 2006 - Issue 221
This Week in the World: SpeakStrong Retreat
Power Phrase of the Week: I Don't Want to Make My Emergency Yours
Ask Meryl: Does the Boss Mean What He Says?
Success Story: Out of the Mouths of Babes
Reader Comments: Staying Late; Informed Decisions

May 24, 2006 - Issue 220
This Week in the World: I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
Power Phrase of the Week: This Drug Could Do a Lot of Damage and I Won't Fill Your Prescription Until I'm Sure You Know the Risk
Poison Phrase of the Week: If I Come In Early, I'll End Up Staying Late Anyway
Ask Meryl: A Rude Remark from My Assistant
Success Story: Success Story from India

May 17, 2006 - Issue 219
This Week in the World: I Never Promised You A Rose Garden
Power Phrase of the Week: You Have a Choice. Make It Carefully Because It Might Be the Last One You Have Around Here
Poison Phrase of the Week: It Could Be Worse
Ask Meryl: More Than Just a Sign

May 10, 2006 - Issue 218
This Week in the World: Wink, Wink, Nod, Nod
Power Phrase of the Week: I Am Not Trying to Antagonize You
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Don't Have Time for Praise
Ask Meryl: A Tenuous Situation and Bonus Questions
Success Story: Managing My Dad
Reader Comments: Great Comments Are Posted on the Blog

May 3, 2006 - Issue 217
This Week in the World: To Beer or Not to Beer?
Power Phrase of the Week: That's Exactly What They Want You to Feel
Poison Phrase of the Week: Harper Doesn't Eat Babies
Ask Meryl: Formal Address
Success Story: Making Sure All Voices Are Heard
Reader Comments: Great Comments Are Posted on the Blog

April 26, 2006 - Issue 216
This Week in the World: Who Do You Respond To?
Power Phrase of the Week: You Clearly Need to Rest. Let's Reschedule for When You Are Completely Better
Poison Phrase of the Week: It's a Required Question
Ask Meryl: Wedding Readings
Success Story: Short and Sweet
Reader Comments: Great Comments Are Posted on the Blog

April 19, 2006 - Issue 215
This Week in the World: I'm Okay, You're Biased
Power Phrase of the Week: Joe's Concrete Code of Principles for Successful Living
Poison Phrase of the Week: Thanks for Your Gift of Nothing
Ask Meryl: Getting on the Same Page
Success Story: Not a Match, but a Useful Exchange
Reader Comments

April 12, 2006 - Issue 214
This Week in the World: Give Me Liberty Or...
Power Phrase of the Week: He Didn't Know Who He Was Talking To
Poison Phrase of the Week: What Do You Expect Me to Do Without That?
Ask Meryl: Getting on the Same Page
Success Story: The Louder You Talk the Less I Hear
Reader Comments: Need To / Have To

April 5, 2006 - Issue 213
This Week in the World: A Kinder, Gentler and Stronger Way
Power Phrase of the Week: Illustrations? That's My Specialty
Poison Phrase of the Week: This May Not Be the Best Week to Visit
Ask Meryl: Unwelcome Guests
Success Story: Making Up for Messing Up
Reader Comments: Word Pairs

March 29, 2006 - Issue 212
This Week in the World: Talk to the Person, Not the System
Power Phrase of the Week: Here's Where We Agree
Poison Phrase of the Week: You Can't Possibly Think I Have the Time to Read This
Ask Meryl: Unresponsive to Feedback
Success Story: A Successful Challenge to a Performance Review
Reader Comments: Thanks for the Recovery Day

March 22 , 2006 - Issue 211
This Week in the World: All About Them
Power Phrase of the Week: Got Milk
Poison Phrase of the Week: Dark Days
Ask Meryl: Looking for Raise
Success Story: A Disruptive Classmate
Reader Comments: 2 + 2 = ?

March 15 , 2006 - Issue 210
This Week in the World: When 2 + 2 = 5
Power Phrase of the Week: I Protect Your Genius
Poison Phrase of the Week: Driving with Kennedy, Shooting with Cheney
Ask Meryl: Body Odor
Success Story: Because I Don't Have a Penis
Reader Comments: Delayed Review

March 8 , 2006 - Issue 209
This Week in the World: Different Assumptions
Power Phrase of the Week: I Am Iraqi
Poison Phrase of the Week: What About Yesterday?
Ask Meryl: Delayed Review
Success Story: Reclaiming a Client

March 1, 2006 - Issue 208
This Week in the World: Suspicious Secrecy
Power Phrase of the Week: Get It On The Table
Poison Phrase of the Week: Star Wars Bar Scene
Ask Meryl: Thoughtless Kids
Success Story: The Power of Listening
Reader Comments: You Gotta Read 'Em

February 22, 2006 - Issue 207
This Week in the World: What You Need to Know May Be What They Want You to Overlook
Power Phrase of the Week: Just Say "No Thank You"
Poison Phrase of the Week: Employee Self-Evaluation is Essential in Legal Defense
Ask Meryl: Inconsiderate
Success Story: Mom Teaches Son to SpeakStrong

February 15 , 2006 - Issue 206
This Week in the World: Family Cultures
Power Phrase of the Week: How Do You Know This?
Poison Phrase of the Week: Take My Name Off Your Website
Ask Meryl: Tidy
Success Story: $2 Per Hour Per Child
Reader Comments: Regrettable Silence

February 1, 2006 - Issue 204
This Week in the World: Multi-Stage Continuum of Prejudice
Power Phrase of the Week:Have I Done Something to Upset You?
Poison Phrase of the Week:A Historic Day in Filibuster History
Ask Meryl: Unsolicited Advice
Success Story:Diffusing a Conflict Waiting to Happen
Reader Comments

January 25, 2006 - Issue 203
This Week in the World: The Cruelist Thing in the World
Power Phrase of the Week:I Thought I Might Have Missed It
Poison Phrase of the Week:I Lost Him When He Said He Lost Me
Ask Meryl: Company Nepotism
Success Story: Communication Standards at Home
Reader Comments

January 18, 2006 - Issue 202
This Week in the World: A Million Little Pieces
Power Phrase of the Week:Beautiful Flowers
Poison Phrase of the Week:I Know You Received It, I Sent It.
Ask Meryl: Corporate Politics
Success Story: Specifics Trump Criticism with Teens
Reader Comments

January 10, 2006 - Issue 201
This Week in the World: They Know HOw to Flex in the UK
Power Phrase of the Week:Let's Talk in the Morning
Poison Phrase of the Week:Delusions of Adequacy
Ask Meryl: Customer Retirement Letter
Success Story: Floating Staff
Reader Comments

Jan 4, 2006 - Issue 200
This Week in the World: Charity of Choice
Power Phrase of the Week:You're Probably Right and...
Poison Phrase of the Week:As Clearly Stated in the Memo
Ask Meryl: A Disrespectful Case Worker
Success Story: A Communication System
Reader Comments

December 28, 2005 - Issue 199
This Week in the World: Walk in My Shoes
Power Phrase of the Week:That's a Good Idea
Poison Phrase of the Week:Life Threatening Disease
Ask Meryl: Wanting to Help Have Your TV and Cmpanionship Too
Reader Comments

December 23, 2005 - Issue 198
This Week in the World: I Got a Great Gift
Power Phrase of the Week:Find the Mission of YOur Life and Start to Be
Poison Phrase of the Week:No ONe Can Stop Me
Ask Meryl: Holiday Talk
Success Story: Wait Until Morning
Reader Comments

December 16, 2005 - Issue 197
This Week in the World: Know When to Stop
Power Phrase of the Week:Let's Talk in the Morning
Poison Phrase of the Week:I'm Through with You
Ask Meryl:Tears
Success Story: Avian Flu Bulletin
Reader Comments

December 8 , 2005 - Issue 196
This Week in the World: No Excuses for Making Excuses
Power Phrase of the Week:Would it be Okay if We Don't Exchange Gifts This Year?
Poison Phrase of the Week:I Need a Verbal Confirmation
Ask Meryl: Discrimnination Aganst Ages
Success Story: Staying Positive
Reader Comments

November 30, 2005 - Issue 195
This Week in the World: Don't Say You Don't When You Do
Power Phrase of the Week:What is New Years Eve, Hannukkah, Christmas, The Holidays to You?
Poison Phrase of the Week:You Have to Pull the Curtains When the Sun Streams In
Ask Meryl: Party Time
Success Story: My Daughter Found Her Voice
Reader Comments

November 23, 2005 - Issue 194
This Week in the World: Take Concerns Seriously
Power Phrase of the Week:How can We Get Your Accuracy Up?
Poison Phrase of the Week:They a Depriving Me of the Right to Have My Voice Heard
Ask Meryl: Noisy Neighbors
Success Story: Driving School
Reader Comments

November 16, 2005 - Issue 193
This Week in the World: Stomach Trouble / Zero-Sum Thinking
Power Phrase of the Week:Better Lunches, Cleaner Bathrooms, Grass on the Playground
Poison Phrase of the Week:Your Parents Must be Cousins
Ask Meryl: Religious Emails
Success Story: PowerPhrases With a Team
Reader Comments

November 9, 2005 - Issue 192
This Week in the World: Change Happens
Power Phrase of the Week:Reasonable Request
Poison Phrase of the Week:I Was Hung Up On
Ask Meryl: Professional Dress
Success Story: Speaking Strong Can Save a Life
Reader Comments

November 2, 2005 - Issue 191
This Week in the World: Truth Flourishes in the soil of Ope Communication
Power Phrase of the Week:Truth is the Engine of the Justice System
Poison Phrase of the Week:Yep. It's Broken
Ask Meryl: Uncertainty Supression
Success Story: Speaking Up About Alignment
Reader Comments

October 26, 2005 - Issue 190
This Week in the World: You Can't Play It Safe by Playing It Silent
Power Phrase of the Week:What Specifically Happened That You Think Is a Travesty?
Poison Phrase of the Week:They're Coming Like a Thief
Ask Meryl: Keeping Mom at Bay
Success Story: Don't Take It Personally
Reader Comments

October 19, 2005 - Issue 189
This Week in the World: Beyond a Bad Mood
Power Phrase of the Week:I Have No Idea How I Can Possibly Do That What Specifically Happened That You Think Is a Travesty?
Poison Phrase of the Week:I Have No Idea How I Can Possibly Do That
Ask Meryl: People Like Me
Success Story: Think First, React Second
Reader Comments

October 11, 2005 - Issue 188
This Week in the World: Beyond the Minimum
Power Phrase of the Week:How Can We Work This Out Together?
Poison Phrase of the Week:You Couldn't Have Picked a Worse Time to Call Me.
Ask Meryl: Can This Friendship Be Saved
Success Story: Lessons From a Pomeranium

October 5, 2005 - Issue 187
This Week in the World: You Can't Solve What You Can't Talk About
Power Phrase of the Week:Have a Productive Day
Poison Phrase of the Week:She's Running Her Mouth Again
Ask Meryl: Too Many Chiefs
Success Story: Policy Clarified
Reader's Comments

September 28, 2005 - Issue 186
This Week in the World: Beyond Optimism
Power Phrase of the Week: You May Be Over-thinking This
Poison Phrase of the Week: Low MantenanceBickering on agenda
Ask Meryl: Beyond Blame
Success Story: Getting Clear with a Client
Reader's Comments

September 21, 2005 - Issue 185
This Week in the World: Sweet Serenity
Power Phrase of the Week: I'm the Navigator, You're the Driver
Poison Phrase of the Week: Bickering on agenda
Ask Meryl: It's All Their Fault
Featured Keynote: BrandAid
Reader's Comments

September 16, 2005 - Issue 184
This Week in the World: When is a Talking Point a PowerPhrase
Power Phrase of the Week: I Can Train a Lot of Things, but Not Honesty
Poison Phrase of the Week: It's Not Polite to Talk About Politics
Ask Meryl: Delay in Pay
Success Story: Proactive in the Performance Review
Reader Comments

Septermber 8, 2005 - Issue 183
This Week in the World: New Orleans, Lies and Video Clips
Power Phrase of the Week: You Can't Hold on to Me/It Cuts the Wrong Way/Knock on Every Door
Poison Phrase of the Week: No Exceptions/We Just Learned/Refugees

Septermber 1, 2005 - Issue 182
This Week in the World: My Cat Can Count
Power Phrase of the Week: Leave Your Number and How I Can Help You
Poison Phrase of the Week: He's Not Interested
Ask Meryl: How Not to Play Mediator in the Middle
This Week Featured Keynotes:Exposing the Gap Between Different Communication Styles

August 24 , 2005 - Issue 181
This Week in the World: A Great Reflection on You
Power Phrase of the Week: I Need a Context for Your Question
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Haven't Read Your Memo Yet, but I Think
Ask Meryl: Picky, Picky, Picky
This Week's Featured Keynote:The Difference Between Lightning Bugs and Lightning Bolts
Reader Comments

August 17 , 2005 - Issue 180
This Week in the World: Relearning to See
Power Phrase of the Week: Before You Enter My Room
Poison Phrase of the Week: Grab Some Food
Ask Meryl: Special Need
Featured Keynote: You've Got to Be Tough if You're Going to Be Stupid
Reader Success Story:Standards Worth Keeping

August 10, 2005 - Issue 179
This Week in the World: Before You Talk the Walk
Power Phrase of the Week: You Can Count on Me Because
Poison Phrase of the Week: I'll Let You
Ask Meryl: Showing a Decision Maker You Are Perfect for a Job
This Week's Featured Keynote:The Difference Between Lightning Bugs and Lightning Bolts
Reader Comments

August 03, 2005 - Issue 178
This Week in the World: Busman's Holiday
Power Phrase of the Week: I Understand Your Position
Poison Phrase of the Week: We Don't Allow Outside Food and Beverages
Ask Meryl:The Policy Was in Place
Reader Success Story:Communication Style

July 27, 2005 - Issue 177
This Week in the World: Look for the Agenda
Power Phrase of the Week: Fat Loss Program
Poison Phrase of the Week: The Policy Was Set Before I Started Working Here
Ask Meryl: That's Not What I Was Asking
Reader Comments: Communication Inventory

July 20, 2005 - Issue 176
This Week in the World: Waking From a Nightmare
Power Phrase of the Week: Please Rephrase the Question
Poison Phrase of the Week: What Are You Trying to Say?
Ask Meryl: A Thirty Hour Work Week
Reader Comments
Reader Success Story:Dealership Accountability

July 12, 2005 - Issue 175
This Week in the World: Conflicting Values
Power Phrase of the Week: Taking a Punch That Hasn't Been Thrown
Poison Phrase of the Week: Sealed for Your Convenience
Ask Meryl: Is This Friendship Worth Saving?
Reader Success Story:Single Mom Car-Buying Strategy

July 05, 2005 - Issue 174
This Week in the World: Consciousness is Key
Power Phrase of the Week: Let Me Know if I Act Grumpy
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Know That Already
Ask Meryl: Pathetic Impersonations
Reader Success Story:Scoring at the Dealership

July 12, 2005 - Issue 173
This Week in the World: Process Improvement Meeting
Power Phrase of the Week: This is Information
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Was So Embarrassed I Didn't Call
Ask Meryl: Argumentative
Reader Success Story:Unsolicited Advice

March 30 , 2005 - Issue 160
This Week in the World: Don't Let Your Nemesis Define You
Power Phrase of the Week: If You Have Questions About Policy or My Position on the Issues, I'll Answer
Poison Phrase of the Week: Take the Cotton Out of Your Ears and Put It In Your Mouth
Ask Meryl: No cooperation
Courageous-and-Clear Coaching Item Week #9: Get Specific

March 17, 2005 - Issue 158
This Week in the World: Life-Saving Calm and Clarity
Power Phrase of the Week: C-A-K-E Spells Cake
Poison Phrase of the Week: That Mean Girl Tried to Pick You Up
Ask Meryl: Finding an Inner Martyr
Success Story from a Reader: Success Is in What They Do, Not What They Say

March 9 , 2005 - Issue 157
This Week in the World: What if Chicken Little is Right?
Power Phrase of the Week: We are Not Auditing You. We are Auditing the Process
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Don't Think the Doctor Will Let You Wait that Long
Ask Meryl: Looking for an Inspirational Gift for a Women's Shelter
Success Story from a Reader: Constructively Confronting Drugs in the Home

March 2 , 2005 - Issue 156
This Week in the World: Truth and Suppression in China and at Home
Power Phrase of the Week: That May Be
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Don't Want to Hear About It
Ask Meryl: Dealing With a Martyr
Success Story from a Reader: Setting a New Boundary

February 23, 2005 - Issue 155
This Week in the World: False Objectivity
Power Phrase of the Week: That's a Great Idea
Poison Phrase of the Week: Why Do Liberals Hate American? Why Do Republicans Hate Their Children?
Ask Meryl: Setting a New Boundary
Success Story from a Reader: Setting a New Boundary
Courageous and Clear Coaching Item:Habit Review

February 23, 2005 - Issue 154
Name Your Lame Excuse
This Week in the World: Revenge May be Sweet but Sugar Rots Your Teeth
Power Phrase of the Week: I Love You and You Can't Come Back
Poison Phrase of the Week:Stop Swatting at Flies
Ask Meryl: Bully Protection
Success Story from a Reader: A New Respect

February 9 , 2005 - Issue 153
This Week in the World: Bumping Heads With Bullies
Power Phrase of the Week: When the Bully is the One You Married
Poison Phrase of the Week: This is All Your Fault. No Need to Respond.
Ask Meryl: When the Bully is the Boss
Courageous-and-Clear Coaching Item #2: Your Personal Price and Payoff Scan

February 2, 2005 - Issue 152
This Week in the World: A Friendship Worth Fighting For
Power Phrase of the Week: In the Future
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Told You So
Ask Meryl: An Immature Question
Courageous and Clear Coaching Item:
Comments on Week's Newsletter: A Dishonesty Essay About Honesty

January 26 , 2005 - Issue 151
This Week in the World: Never A Second Thought
Power Phrase of the Week: How Many People...?
Poison Phrase of the Week: What Do The Critics Have Against Working People Earning a Living?
Ask Meryl: SpeakStrong Mission
Comments on Last Week's Newsletter

January 19 , 2005 - Issue 150
This Week in the World: Something to Sing About
Power Phrase of the Week: One Thing I Like About You Is ...
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Bet You Feel Stupid
Ask Meryl: A Great New Objective
A Department Language

January 13, 2005 - Issue 149
This Week in the World: A Week of Courageous Communication
Power Phrase of the Week: Does This Nourish You?
Poison Phrase of the Week: She's Tired
Ask Meryl: Prayer at Work
Readers' Comments About Unnecessary Negation

January 5 , 2005 - Issue 147
This Week in the World: The Tsunami Truth Be Told
Power Phrase of the Week: You Are Not Resonsible
Poison Phrase of the Week: It Doesn't Bother Me.
Ask Meryl: Speaking Reassurance

December 29 , 2004 - Issue 146
This Week in the World: Make the New Year New
Power Phrase of the Week: What Did You Just Say to Me?
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Don't Think You've Stayed There. It's $400 a Night!
Success Story from a Reader: The Dishcloth/Sponge Controversy

December 22, 2004 - Issue 145
This Week in the World: Your Words Can Take Someone From Darkness to Light
Power Phrase of the Week: I Trust My Son In Your Care
Poison Phrase of the Week: A Poison Phrase Vacation. Tips About Resources to Add Power Instead
Success Story from a Reader: People Live Up..or Down .. To Your Expectations of Them

December 8, 2004 - Issue 143
This Week in the World: It's In Print, But is it True?
Power Phrase of the Week: You Made This Look Easy
Poison Phrase of the Week: It's Your Fault
Ask Meryl: Camera Shy
Success Story from a Reader: Call for Positive Labels, Update on Speaker Article

December 1 , 2004 - Issue 142
This Week in the World: Speak As If Every Word Matters
Power Phrase of the Week: Captain Crunch Steps Up to the Plate
Poison Phrase of the Week: Can I Make up to You With a Massage?
Ask Meryl: Complement Phobia
Success Story from a Reader: Complete Control

September 8, 2004 - Issue 141
This Week in the World: Promises Broken
Power Phrase of the Week: A Knee-Jerk Reaction to Knee-Jerk Reactions
Poison Phrase of the Week: You're Thinking Down Here and I'm Thinking Up Here
Ask Meryl: Micromanager or Just Involved?
Success Story from a Reader: Being My Own Advocate

November 17, 2004 - Issue 140
This Week in the World: Too Bad Our Former Rep Cheated You, We Don't Take Responsibility for His Actions. Would You Like to Use Our Services on Future Projects?
Power Phrase of the Week: I'm Not Criticizing Rodney, I'm Criticizing What Rodney Said
Poison Phrase of the Week: Oh, Those Have Been Around for a Long Time
Ask Meryl: Send Your Questions
Success Story from a Reader: Listening Across the Aisle

November 10, 2004 - Issue 139
This Week in the World: What Used to Bind Us Together
Power Phrase of the Week: If You are Distracted Now, I Can Leave and Come Back
Poison Phrase of the Week: Yasser Arafat N'est pas de'ce'de'
Ask Meryl: Holiday Hassles
Success Story from a Reader: The Power of Need

November 2 , 2004 - Issue 138
This Week in the World: Being Right Isn't Enough
Power Phrase of the Week: The Friendship is the Priority
Poison Phrase of the Week: Why Are You Bothering Me With That?
Ask Meryl: Coughing Crisis
Success Story from a Reader: Two Months to Truth

October 27 , 2004 - Issue 137
This Week in the World: It's Your Brain...Don't Let Anyone Wash It.
Power Phrase of the Week: She's Misinformed
Poison Phrase of the Week: I'm in My Sweats and I Don't Have Make-up On
Ask Meryl: Halloween Woes
Success Story from a Reader: The Fate of the Factory

October 13, 2004 - Issue 135
This Week in the World: Is It Lies or the Silence? America Waking From Denial Personally, Professionally and Politically
Power Phrase of the Week: She's Misinformed
Poison Phrase of the Week: I'm in My Sweats and I Don't Have Makeup On
Ask Meryl: Halloween Woes
Success Story from a Reader: Waking Her Dad's Girlfriend Up to the Truth

October 6, 2004 - Issue 134
This Week in the World: Sentence to be Raped
Power Phrase of the Week: I'll Be Happy to Help as Long as I Have Clear Directions on What to Do
Poison Phrase of the Week: I believe
Ask Meryl: How Not to Get a Husband to Look for Work
Success Story from a Reader: Between a Rock and an Insult

September 29, 2004 - Issue 133
This Week in the World: 50,000 Deaths Later, He Told the Truth
Power Phrase of the Week: That Time Doesn't Work for Me. I'm Planning to Watch the Broncos Play
Poison Phrase of the Week: You're Unimaginative and Uncreative
Ask Meryl: The New Kid on the Block
Success Story from a Reader: I Just Needed to Ask

September 23, 2004 - Issue 132
This Week in the World: Culture Clues
Power Phrase of the Week: I Get It. Short Sentences
Poison Phrase of the Week: I'm Surprised You Are So Smart
Ask Meryl: A Touchy Reunion
Success Story from a Reader: Stopping Sarcasm

September 15, 2004 - Issue 131
This Week in the World: Accountability Triumps in Medical Trials
Power Phrase of the Week: What Prompted You to Pick Up the Phone?
Poison Phrase of the Week: This Won't Hurt a Bit
Ask Meryl: A Descriptive Family Paradigm
Success Story from a Reader: Speaking Up Proved Easier than I Feared

September 8, 2004 - Issue 130
This Week in the World: The Divisiveness of Demagoguery
Power Phrase of the Week: Remember Who You Are
Poison Phrase of the Week: Like That's Going to Work
Ask Meryl: No Manager Can Make Everyone Happy
Success Story from a Reader: A Man of Few Words Finds There is Power in the Words he Does Speak

September 1, 2004 - Issue 129
This Week in the World: Honesty: The Number One Quality of Admired Leaders
Power Phrase of the Week: Are You Satisfied with How This Conversation Went?
Poison Phrase of the Week: The Cookies Didn't Even Make It Home
Ask Meryl: The Selfish Spouse
Success Story from a Reader: A Time When There Were No Yellow Ribbons

August 26, 2004 - Issue 128
This Week in the World: The Slippery Speech of Denial
Power Phrase of the Week: Oprah Masters Empathy
Poison Phrase of the Week: I've Been Thinking for About a Year That This Friendship Isn't Healthy for Me
Ask Meryl: Keeping the Workload in Balance
Success Story from a Reader: A Bitter-Free Life

August 18 , 2004 - Issue 127
This Week in the World: Transparency for Trust
Power Phrase of the Week: Tell Me Where You're Going
Poison Phrase of the Week: The Doctor Said I Didn't Need 24 Hour In-Home Care
Ask Meryl: Just a Little Respect
Success Story from a Reader: Creating Calm in Crisis

August 11, 2004 - Issue 126
This Week in the World: A Look in the Mirror
Power Phrase of the Week: I Hear the Emotion in Your Voice
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Like Her Because She's a Loose Cannon
Ask Meryl: The Perfect Position
Success Story from a Reader: When Pippi Trumps Izzie

August 4 , 2004 - Issue 125
This Week in the World: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say Hits the Convention Floor
Power Phrase of the Week: Tell Me What You Want Me to Do Differently Next Time
Poison Phrase of the Week: I'll Never Interrupt You Again
Ask Meryl: Sorting Out an Inherited Mess
Success Story from a Reader: A Most Popular Topic

July 29, 2004 - Issue 124
This Week in the World: Secrecy Keeps Us From Getting a Clue
Power Phrase of the Week: Thank-you for Your Immediate Action on This Issue...
Poison Phrase of the Week: Take a Number
Ask Meryl: Speaking Up Despite Pressure to Settle
Success Story from a Reader: Children's Rhymes That Lack Innocence

July 21, 2004 - Issue 123
This Week in the World: The Garage Is Greater THan the Sum of Its Parts
Power Phrase of the Week: I Don't Speak Disparagingly...
Poison Phrase of the Week: Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo
Ask Meryl: Tough Boundaries
Success Story from a Reader: Back Pay for the Asking

July 14, 2004 - Issue 122
This Week in the World: A Little Advanced Warning
Power Phrase of the Week: What We Want to Accomplish by the End of This Meeting is...
Poison Phrase of the Week: Please Settle Your Account
Ask Meryl: What About Mom?
Success Story from a Reader: A PowerPhrase Ticket to the Bahamas

July 7, 2004 - Issue 121
This Week in the World: Put it All Together and You Get...an Elephant: Fahrenheit 9/11
Power Phrase of the Week: Let's Focus on What I Can Do For You
Poison Phrase of the Week: If in Doubt...
Ask Meryl: Legal Truth
Success Story from a Reader: Some Good Advice About Managing Multiple Bosses

June 30, 2004 - Issue 120
This Week in the World: How to Hire Someone Else to Lie For You
Power Phrase of the Week: I Am Not Comfortable Answering Your Questions
Poison Phrase of the Week: The Point I Am Trying to Make
Ask Meryl: PowerPhrases for More Money
Success Story from a Reader: A Problem Is Solved by Changing a Single Word

June 23, 2004 - Issue 119
This Week in the World: The Runion Rules of Responsible Communication
Power Phrase of the Week: What Did You Conclude from That?
Poison Phrase of the Week: He Didn't Respond
Success Story from a Reader: Speaking Up Can Be Easy
Ask Meryl: More Truth About Truth

June 16, 2004 - Issue 118
This Week in the World: The Truth About Truth, Persuasion and Propaganda
Power Phrase of the Week: I Like What You Said About...
Poison Phrase of the Week: Are You Having Any Problems?
Ask Meryl: Boundaries
Success Story from a Reader: Putting PowerPhrases to Immediate Use

June 9, 2004 - Issue 117
This Week in the World: The Truth About Truth
Power Phrase of the Week: If I Sound Angry, It Is Because I Am
Poison Phrase of the Week: You're Doing That Because...
Ask Meryl: Sarcasm
Success Story from a Reader: Pippi Success Story...I Love This One

June 3, 2004 - Issue 116
This Week in the World: The Importance of Clarity
Power Phrase of the Week: Don't You Roll Your Eyes at Me
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Get a Completion Bonus
Ask Meryl: Wedding Worries
Success Story from a Reader: Correcting an Employee

May 26, 2004 - Issue 115
This Week in the World: They Hear You When They're Ready
Power Phrase of the Week: We Are Both Busy
Poison Phrase of the Week: You'll Have to Wait
Ask Meryl: Correcting the Boss
Success Story from a Reader: Getting Off Her Nerves

May 19, 2004 - Issue 114
This Week in the World: "She'll Do Anything for Anyone"
Power Phrase of the Week: My Life Is Improving!
Poison Phrase of the Week: They Told Me To
Ask Meryl: Speaking Truth to Power
Success Story from a Reader: She Took Care of It Her Way

May 12, 2004 - Issue 113
This Week in the World: What a Surprise...She Told the Truth
Power Phrase of the Week: I'm in Demand
Poison Phrase of the Week: No Big Deal
Ask Meryl: Weak Speak
Success Story from a Reader: How About a Simple Good Morning?

May 5, 2004 - Issue 112
This Week in the World: When the Lie is Worse Than the Deed Itself
Power Phrase of the Week: Let's Make a Conscious Decision
Poison Phrase of the Week: Aren't You Coming to Dinner?
Ask Meryl: Uncomfortable Silence
Success Story from a Reader: A Supervisor Finds a Better Language

April 28, 2004 - Issue 111
This Week in the World: Center for Responsible Communication
Power Phrase of the Week: I Can't Talk About Judy with You Anymore
Poison Phrase of the Week: Can't/because
Ask Meryl: Mysterious Rejection
Success Story from a Reader: That Liberated Feeling

April 21, 2004 - Issue 110
This Week in the World: Help From an Unexpected Source
Power Phrase of the Week: This is Not what I'm Here to Discuss
Poison Phrase of the Week: I Have No Help at All
Ask Meryl: Speaking in Public...
Success Story from a Reader: Doc talk

April 14, 2004 - Issue 109
This Week in the World: Here's to Your OptiSelf. OptiSelf, Inner Pippi and PowerPhrases
Power Phrase of the Week: Let Me Ask You an Interesting Question.
Poison Phrase of the Week: With All Due Respect...
Ask Meryl: Banishing Barking...